Free Republic

**SNIP** The Times’ editorial board took issue with Sawant’s denial of the charge related to the protest at Durkan’s house. “This denial rings hollow,” the board said. “During Sawant’s onstage speech in front of Durkan’s house, she reportedly spoke critically of the ‘Richie Rich’ neighborhood. Shortly afterward, Sawant’s council Twitter account retweeted notes of gratitude ‘for speaking @MayorJenny’s rich house,’ as one put it. Curiously, those notes appear to have vanished from Sawant’s timeline.” The alternative biweekly newspaper The Stranger has a much more sympathetic view of Sawant and opposes the recall election. In a colorfully-written Nov. 17 piece, “Vote...

Make that a dozen. Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, said late last week he is giving back his legislative pay raise.That means 12 of Wisconsin's 132 lawmakers are now returning their 5.3 percent raise in the face of a record $5.9 billion state budget deficit. Davis originally told the State Journal he was going to take his pay raise and donate it to charity. Davis said feedback from constituents and a proposed 0 percent pay increase for state employees in the next two-year state budget persuaded him to return his raise to state coffers instead. "Given the conditions of the state...